Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) vs Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)

Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

For most buyers the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) is the better pick — it scores 63/100 to the Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)'s 42, leading on Processor and Integrated Graphics. Choose the Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) instead if connectivity and design & weight matter most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Performance is scored from the laptop's CPU and GPU; few laptops have a published whole-system benchmark.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) leads overall

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)

Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)

Why it stands out

Memory capacity: 36 GB (125% more)
Storage capacity: 1,024 GB (100% more)
Display Refresh rate: 120 Hz (100% more)

Watch-outs

Compromises to know before you buy

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)

RAM is soldered — you can't upgrade it later, so buy enough now.
Storage isn't user-upgradeable.
No USB-A ports — older accessories need an adapter.

Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)

RAM is soldered — you can't upgrade it later, so buy enough now.
Storage isn't user-upgradeable.
60 Hz panel — less smooth than 120 Hz+ rivals.
No HDMI — you'll need a dongle for projectors/TVs.

Winner by category for Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) vs Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
Category	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)	Winner
Processor	70	57	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)
Integrated Graphics	46	37	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)
Discrete Graphics	0	0	Tie
Memory	65	35	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)
Storage	56	25	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)
Display	65	33	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)
Sound	62	62	Tie
Webcam	50	50	Tie
Battery	68	32	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)
Connectivity	72	87	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
Input	85	85	Tie
Ports	81	44	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)
Design & Weight	34	66	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
Security	50	50	Tie
Performance	77	23	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Nov 2026.

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)

The Apple MacBook Pro M4 16 is a high-end laptop built for demanding workloads, powered by Apple's M4 family of systems-on-a-chip. It features a spacious 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display alongside a versatile array of physical ports, including HDMI, MagSafe, and an SDXC card slot. Equipped with a large 99.6 Wh battery, it is engineered for professionals who need heavy-duty processing power on the go.

Best for High-end video editing and software development workflows that benefit from…Best for Creative professionals who require a large, color-accurate screen and onboard…

Pros

High-fidelity 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display providing excellent color accuracy and contrast
Generous physical connectivity options including a dedicated SDXC card slot and HDMI port
Robust 99.6 Wh battery capacity for long-lasting performance away from a charger

Cons

Completely soldered unified memory and storage configurations that cannot be upgraded after purchase

Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)

The Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) is a mid-range macOS laptop built around Apple's M-series silicon and a 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display. Designed for everyday consumer use and light productivity, it operates completely silently using a fanless chassis. System configurations offer 16 GB to 32 GB of unified memory along with internal soldered storage ranging from 256 GB to 2 TB.

Best for Everyday consumer workflows benefiting from a larger screenBest for Noise-sensitive workspaces that require silent computing

Pros

Silent operation courtesy of a fanless design
Large 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display for enhanced workspace area
Unified memory support up to 32 GB for smooth daily multitasking

Cons

Soldered solid-state drive prevents user-initiated storage upgrades
Limited port selection restricts direct peripheral connections

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)

Check Price on Amazon

Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)

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Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)38,348

Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)26,767

See the raw benchmark values →

Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.

Battery capacity

Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)99.6 Wh

Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)66.5 Wh

Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.

Physical Comparison

Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) is 0.64 kg (42%) heavier than Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5).

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Processor

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
Processor model

Integrated Graphics

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
Integrated graphics model

Memory

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
Memory capacity	36 GB125% more	16 GB
Technology
Memory upgradeable	No	No

Storage

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
Storage capacity	1,024 GB100% more	512 GB
Socket type
PCIe version	N/A	N/A
Storage upgradeable	No	No

Display

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
Size	16.2 in6% more	15.3 in
Display resolution	3456 × 2234 px	2880 × 1864 px
Aspect ratio	16:10	16:10
Refresh rate	120 Hz100% more	60 Hz
Response time	N/A	N/A
Display type
Brightness	1,600 nits220% more	500 nits
Has pen support	No	No
Has touch support	No	No
Screen-to-body ratio	87%	85%

Sound

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
Number of speakers	6	6
Power	N/A	N/A
Has Dolby Atmos	Yes	Yes
Number of microphones	3	3

Webcam

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
Webcam resolution	1920 × 1080 px	1920 × 1080 px

Battery

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
Battery capacity	99.6 Wh50% more	66.5 Wh
Maximum charge power	140 W100% more	70 W

Connectivity

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
Wi-Fi technology
Bluetooth technology

Input

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
Has a backlit keyboard	Yes	Yes
Has a numpad	No	No

Ports

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
USB Type A	0	0
USB Type C	3	2
Thunderbolt technology
Has an HDMI port	Yes	No
Has a card reader	Yes	No
Has a headphone jack	Yes	Yes

Design & Weight

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
Color
Dimensions	35.57 × 24.81 × 1.68 cm	34.04 × 23.76 × 1.15 cm
Weight	2.15 kg	1.51 kg30% less

Security

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
Has a fingerprint scanner	Yes	Yes
Has infrared face recognition support	No	No

Performance

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
PassMark CPU Mark	38,34843% more	26,767
Active cooling	Yes	No
Release Date	November 8, 2024	March 11, 2026

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) vs Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) rates higher at 69/100 versus 47/100 for Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) — a 22-point lead. Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) and Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) are compared side by side above across every spec in the laptops category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 69/100 for Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) and 47/100 for Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5).

If you want the higher-rated laptops option overall, Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Max) (69/100) edges out Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) (47/100). But if Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.